By Ologeh Joseph Chibu
Every Nigerian should carry arms in self defence, Senator Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North Senatorial District, has said
He defended his proposed bill allowing Nigerians to bear arms for self-defense, arguing it could deter criminal activities, particularly kidnappings.
In an interview with Channels TV monitored by Irohinoodua, Nwoko was asked if allowing Nigerians to carry firearms would address the nation’s security issues. He responded affirmatively, stating, “Oh, it will. It will.”
Nwoko shared a personal story to emphasize his point, recounting the tragic death of his Senior Legislative Aide (SLA) in a kidnapping incident last November.
He described how armed attackers entered their estate, and despite his SLA’s efforts to protect his family by speaking with the intruders, he was abducted and never returned.
Reflecting on this experience, Nwoko suggested that if armed citizens were present, it might have discouraged the kidnappers from operating with such boldness. “If he had a gun, or if others in the community had guns, would the kidnappers have had the audacity to go door to door? That wouldn’t happen,” he remarked.
However, Nwoko emphasized that his bill would include stringent regulations for gun ownership.
He specified that individuals seeking a firearm license would need to complete a training program, obtain confirmation from two doctors regarding their mental fitness, and secure reports from both the Department of State Services (DSS) and the police.
Additionally, he stated that a local traditional ruler would need to vouch for the individual’s identity, ensuring that only qualified individuals are permitted to carry arms under his proposed legislation.